Considerations for at-home upper-limb rehabilitation technology following stroke: Perspectives of stroke survivors and therapists

Abstract

Introduction This study investigated the needs of stroke survivors and therapists, and how they may contrast, for the design of robots for at-home post stroke rehabilitation therapy, in the Ontario, Canada, context. Methods Individual interviews were conducted with stroke survivors ( n = 10) and therapists ( n = 6). The transcripts were coded using thematic analysis inspired by the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Results Design recommendations, potential features, and barriers were identified from the interviews. Stroke survivors and therapists agreed on many of the needs for at-home robotic rehabilitation; however, stroke survivors had more insights into their home environment, barriers, and needs relating to technology, while therapists had more insights into therapy methodology and patient safety and interaction. Both groups felt a one-size-fits-all approach to rehabilitation robot design is inappropriate. Designs could address a broader range of impairments by incorporating household items and breaking activities down into their component motions. Designs should incorporate hand and wrist supports and activities. Designs should monitor trunk and shoulder motion and consider incorporating group activities. Conclusion While therapists can provide insight in the early stages of design of rehabilitation technology, stroke survivors’ perspectives are crucial to designing for the home environment.

Designing for usability: development and evaluation of a portable minimally-actuated haptic hand and forearm trainer for unsupervised stroke rehabilitation

“…The device offers two degrees of freedom: An actuated one for grasping as well as haptic rendering, and a passive one for pronosupination movements. Meeting the stringent criteria for home rehabilitation devices is challenging (Chen et al, 2019 ; Forbrigger et al, 2023b ). It has been shown that usability and users' perceptions of assistive devices and rehabilitation technology for home use substantially influence their long-term utilization (Biddiss and Chau, 2007 ; Sivan et al, 2014 ; Sugawara et al, 2018 ; Ciortea et al, 2021 ).…”

Technology Use for Home-Based Stroke Rehabilitation in Switzerland From the Perspectives of Persons Living With Stroke, Informal Caregivers, and Therapists: Qualitative Interview and Focus Group Study

“…Through interviews with both groups, key design recommendations, potential features, and barriers emerged, highlighting the importance of incorporating the insights of survivors of stroke into home environments and therapists’ expertise in therapy methodology and safety. The findings underscored the necessity of tailored design approaches that consider a range of impairments, incorporate household items, and address individual motion requirements [ 15 ]. Another study [ 16 ] investigated Swedish health care professionals’ use of ICT for person-centered stroke rehabilitation.…”